New Horizon 202 turntable

The New Horizon 202 turntable is the first model of the Italian manufacturer’s range to be built following the dual plinth principle. Like all New Horizon turntables, it offers simple functions and a clean design to meet the audiophile's needs, while remaining affordable.

NEW HORIZON 202: PLINTH

The New Horizon 202 record player is proposed with a dual plinth made of MDF, covered with black or white melamine.

The traditional rectangle is made original by a half-moon cut-out on the front of the turntable, which is moreover the manufacturer's trademark since we find it on all New Horizon products.

These two elements of the baseboard are decoupled with anti-vibration cones. This principle reduces mechanical noises and extracts more music from the groove.

The lower chassis rests on 4 specific stands designed to be completely free from the vibrations of the support. They offer the possibility to adjust the turntable level.

NEW HORIZON 202: TONEARM AND PHONO CARTRIDGE

The 8.6” tonearm is a famous carbon Austrian model. This tonearm is simple but very performing. In addition, it is known for its reliability and machining precision.

As standard, it is equipped with an Audio Technica MM cartridge: the AT 3600L (similar to the Rega Carbon).

We just regret that, for budget reasons, the cartridge is not equal to the turntable. However, it is not as bad since you can simply change it! And New Horizon provides this 202 turntable with two counterweights, which allow it to be compatible with all phono cartridges from 4 to 8.5g. We tested this turntable with an Ortofon 2M Blue MM cartridge.

NEW HORIZON 202: PLATTER AND DRIVE

The 20 mm and 1.7 kg methacrylate platter is driven by external continuous belt made of extra-thin silicone.

The AC/24v synchronous motor is insulated from the turntable, in order to avoid any vibration or noise in the platter and the tonearm.

The drive spindle of the platter is precisely machined from milled aluminium. It is based on a ¼ inch steel ball resting on top of the pivot. It ensures rotation without any friction and perfectly silent.

NEW HORIZON 202: PHONO CABLE AND COVER

As on all turntables of the range, the phono cable is not captive and so can be replaced in the long run by a more ambitious model. The female RCA connectors and the ground terminal of the turntable are gold-plated and of excellent quality.

The New Horizon 202 is delivered with a high quality methacrylate dust cover. It simply rests on the turntable and locks in place via 2 slots. This means that the traditional hinges can be dispensed.

NEW HORIZON 202: TEST AND LISTENING

As soon as the New Horizon 202 turntable came out of its package, we were seduced by its design, which is similar to the design of Music Hall products. Indeed, designers have been following the same directions in terms of decoupling.

New Horizon offers a perfectly optimized product in order to obtain maximum performance from the various elements (tonearm, motor, platter, etc). While offering the best quality/price/performance ratio!

The manufacturing quality is excellent and we appreciate the “Made in Italy”!

The solutions opted to avoid vibrations are very efficient! Know that they are rarely (or never) optimized in this price range.

The restitution is very quiet and precise. We find all the swing of the New Horizon 201 turntable, but with more texture and impact in the lower spectrum. The sound scene seems more stable and precise.

This New Horizon 202 vinyl turntable offers a beautiful musicality and performances corresponding to its very successful design. It offers a nice alternative to the traditional Rega turntables and other Pro-Ject turntables...

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